It’s been a long time coming but the UConn Football team kicks off their season tomorrow at Fresno State.

The last time we saw the Huskies on a football field was November of 2019. Coach Randy Edsall, his staff and the players are chomping at the bit to coach and play in a game.

UConn made the safe but controversial decision last fall not to play. It was not an easy decision for the administration and the program but ultimately, it was the right decision.

Now the Huskies are back and ready to compete for a bowl bid.

Offensively, the Huskies have a lot of returning talent most notably offensive tackle Ryan Van Denmark and running back Kevin Mensah. Mensah rushed for over a 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2019. He is one of the top backs in the nation coming into the season. The senior running back is only 5’8 200 pounds but he runs with power for his size and he is explosive in the open field.

Transfer Robert Burns could be a great complement to Mensah. At 5-11 220, he is a bigger back who could be more effective inside the tackles.

The quarterback job was up for grabs going into camp. Sophomore Jack Zergiotis started in 2019 and threw for 1,782 yards and 9 touchdown passes. He also threw 11 interceptions which is a problem. Micah Leon, a 6-4, 225-pound junior transferred in from NC State and was expected to make a push to start. Steven Krajewski has had a solid camp and could be the front runner to start the opener. The 6-4 215 redshirt sophomore has a live arm and is athletic in and out of the pocket.

Who ever is the starting quarterback, will have the luxury of throwing to Cameron Ross who caught 60 passes two years ago. The offensive coaches like this receiving corp. The biggest issue will be youth and inexperience. Senior tight end Jay Rose and sophomore wide receiver Matt Drayton will be counted on to contribute right as well.

Defensively, the Huskies really struggled in 2019 and that’s putting it mildly. They gave up 41 points and 467 yards per game. Those are atrocious numbers but the hope is they improve.

The strength of the defense will be the linebackers with Omar Fortt, Jackson Mitchell and D.J Morgan. All three are versatile and can do a variety of different things within a scheme.

Regardless of who plays in the back seven, the Huskies pass rush needs to improve. The Jones Boys return (Travis and Kevon). Both are stout and do a good job against the run but collapsing the pocket will be key. Defensive tackle Lwal Uguak is primed for a breakout season as the shade tackle.

The secondary only picked off six passes in 2019 and will need to be much better if the Huskies defense is going to turn things around. Diamond Harrell returns at safety and transfer Stan Cross will be counted on to man one of the cornerback spots and allow the Huskies to play more man coverage.

After a year off, it is hard to say what the Huskies could be. They have some talent on offense and the front seven but a young receiving corp and secondary could be the difference between a turnaround season or another bad season.

Either way, the Huskies need to show improvement. The schedule is daunting in spots but there are also some winnable games as well. Edsall and his staff have recruited well. Now it’s time to get something out of that talent.

Huskies Schedule

Aug. 28 at Fresno State

Sept. 4 Holy Cross

Sept. 11 Purdue

Sept. 18 at Army

Sept. 25 Wyoming

Oct. 2 at Vanderbilt

Oct. 9 at UMass

Oct. 16 Yale

Oct. 23 Middle Tennessee

Oct. 30 BYE

Nov. 6 BYE

Nov. 13 at Clemson

Nov. 20 at UCF

Nov. 27 Houston